Bamboo or Hardwood?

As with everything, we have contradicting information.  The flooring people said that there would be the risk of diminished resale value, specifically we would reduce the number of people who'd want to buy our house, if we went with bamboo.  However, a quick Google of the topic tells me that bamboo is the hottest thing and actually adds resale value.

Now, we have no intention of selling any time soon, but it's always good to keep these things in mind when making choices.

The other quandary is whether the bamboo is too contemporary looking.  If we went with the light color, I have no doubt it's very contemporary looking.  We are interested in the caramelized color.  It's where they heat up the bamboo and the sugars in the wood caramelize.  How cool is that?  Almost poetic for a kitchen, don't you think?

That said, there is a perfectly wonderful honey colored traditional oak that we are considering as well.  It has a wonderful warm tone and will go well with our existing oak flooring.

Which do you like and why?

Bamboo

Honey Oak

A New Year = A New Kitchen!

We've lived in this house 5 1/2 years and it's astounding to me just how much stuff we accumulate.  I always say that if you want to get rid of stuff, pretend like you're going to move.  And getting ready for a renovation is just like moving -- EVERYTHING has to be packed up!  As we put the kitchen back together, I intend to simplify -- one of my New Years resolutions -- yet I can't throw much out yet until I know how I will work in my new kitchen.  Sound like procrastination?  Shhh...  don't tell me.

The new kitchen.  Oh what a lovely sound those three words make in my heart!  I can't wait.  I'm scared.  I'm excited.  I'm overwhelmed.  I'm hoping I've made good design decisions.

In the coming days, I'm going to post some pictures of the before and after layouts and some beginning pictures of the demolition.  I would love any thoughts you have.  Sound fun?  I hope so!

A New Year

Last year, my resolutions included posting more on my blog.  Drat.  Missed that.

This year, I'm going to try again.  And this should immediately prove to be a challenge as we are getting ready for a major remodel -- oh yes, I'm getting a new kitchen!  And then, just before that all begins, my son and I are abandoning my hubby for a trip to see the Mouse.  SUN!

So far, everyone has liked my post about the table re-do I did.  I'm going to attempt to do more projects like that.  But I think I will also have to include the kitchen renovation experience.  Everyone likes tales of a new kitchen, right?

So Happy New Year everyone.  I hope to be a more interesting read for you in 2011!